Who is... The Department of Commerce

This is the start of a series that will shed light on government agencies, boards or commissions. We hope to highlight state and federal executive, legislative, and judicial departments to exhibit who they are, what they do, and how the everyday functions of that department affects you the citizen.

The first department we'll feature is the Kansas State Department of Commerce:

Department Head: Secretary David Kerr

Synopsis: As the state's lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity. To this end, the Department comprises various programs and services that create jobs, attract investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and promote the state as a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Previously this department was named Kansas Department of Economic Development and Kansas Industrial Development Commission before that

Has 5 divisions:

Business Development - promotes the Kansas economy through job growth and attracting business

Rural Development- helps to develop rural communities and promote agritourism

Trade Development- helps Kansas businesses export their services or products

Travel and Tourism- promotes travel opportunities and community events in Kansas
http://www.travelks.com/

Workforce Services- has resources for employers looking for a strong workforce and for workers looking for jobs and training. Includes a job directory called KansasWorks! https://www.kansasworks.com/ada/

Publications accessible online:

Kansas! magazine
http://www.kansasmag.com/

Kansas Visitors Guide- come play in Kansas!
http://www.travelks.com/s/VisitorGuideE.cfm

Kansas Business Incentives- A guide as to why you should relocate your business to Kansas
http://www.kansascommerce.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=UjVnGWOq4CE%3d&tabid=72

Every time you, the Kansan, go to dine at your favorite hometown restaurant, you are benefitting from the services of the Kansas Department of Commerce. If you are in the market for a new job, you can benefit from KansasWorks! If your business is looking to expand overseas, you can benefit from the services of the Department of Commerce.

The Department of Commerce can be contacted at (785) 296-3481 or you can email them at http://www.kansascommerce.com/Contact/tabid/75/Default.aspx